Mobility

Irvine – September 08, 2026 -- The new 2027 Kia Telluride has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest honor, the 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) designation. The award makes Telluride the fifth Kia model to receive the 2026 TSP+ rating in the U.S., joining the K4, EV9, Sorento and Sportage.

IIHS tightened its 2026 testing standards

The institute strengthened its criteria this year to prioritize rear-seat passenger protection and improve crash-prevention performance. Updated protocols now require stricter rear-passenger safety in moderate overlap frontal crashes, along with tougher standards for pedestrian detection and high-speed vehicle-to-vehicle collision prevention.

Plano, Texas – September 07, 2026 -- Lexus has unveiled the redesigned 2027 NX compact crossover, confirming the lineup will be 100% electrified with buyers choosing between a hybrid-electric (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The model is expected to reach global markets by late 2026.

Four trims arrive in each powertrain option

The NX range will offer four versions across both HEV and PHEV setups: Premium, Premium+, F SPORT and Luxury.

The PHEV battery delivers more range and faster charging

The NX 450h+ uses a newly developed lithium-ion battery with an 8% power increase and 30% more capacity than its predecessor. Lexus estimates certain PHEV versions will achieve more than 40 miles of electric-only range, though official EPA ratings will be released closer to launch. DC fast-charging and a fast-charge port cover now come standard on PHEV models.

New York – September 07, 2026 -- ENGWE has launched the E26 3.0, a dual-motor all-terrain e-bike priced at $1,799, discounted from $2,399, with the offer running through September 27 and including a complimentary accessory gift valued at $99.

Dual motors switch on when the terrain gets rough

The E26 3.0 lets riders toggle between single- and dual-motor modes. Single-motor operation is built for efficient road riding and longer trips, while dual-motor mode adds traction and climbing power for steep hills, loose gravel, sand or difficult trails. Splitting power across both wheels is designed to keep the bike stable when surface conditions turn unpredictable.

Bremen – September 07, 2026 -- Europcar has relocated its Bremen van-and-truck station from the Strom industrial area to the more accessible Neustadt district, adding passenger cars to the lineup at the same address.

Starting immediately, private and business customers can rent vans, trucks and now cars at the new site at Neuenlander Strasse 83. The location replaces the previous station at Ludwig-Erhard-Strasse 45.

One address now covers cars, vans and trucks

"With the new location, we're combining good accessibility with a significantly broader offering," said Thorsten Buschmann, station manager for Europcar's Bremen Neuenlander Strasse site. He added that customers can now find everything from cars to vans and trucks at a single address, with personal advice available seven days a week.

Munich – September 07, 2026 -- Owners of older cars running on the R134a refrigerant could soon face pricier and harder-to-schedule air conditioning maintenance, according to Germany's ADAC motoring club. Tighter EU rules are further restricting the use of R134a, while no widely available, legally approved alternative exists yet for the existing vehicle fleet.

New cars have banned R134a since 2017

Austin, Texas – September 07, 2026 -- Bonnell has launched the 805 RX, an electric dirt bike starting at $8,250, marking the first model in the company's new e-Moto range and available immediately through U.S. dealers and online.

The bike weighs 218 pounds while delivering adult-sized ergonomics

At 218 pounds (99 kg), the 805 RX pairs a lightweight mid-size frame with a low seat height and adjustable footpeg and handlebar positions, letting riders fine-tune fit without modifications. The forged aluminum frame and hydroformed swingarm are built to balance strength and weight.

Olathe – September 04, 2026 -- Garmin has launched SmartDrive, an autopilot system for sailboats and catamarans up to 45 feet and 33,000 pounds of maximum displacement, priced at $3,499.99 as a standalone actuator.

SmartDrive uses a brushless linear actuator with a built-in ECU

The system is the first sailboat autopilot to pair a brushless linear actuator with an integrated ECU and rudder feedback sensor, according to Garmin. As part of the Reactor 40 Corepack, it delivers up to 1,050 pounds of maximum thrust to help maintain steady rudder control.

Fewer cables mean simpler installation

SmartDrive operates with fewer cables and external components than typical setups, and its form factor matches other linear actuators on the market. Garmin designed it to serve as a direct replacement for retrofit installations, and it connects to compatible Garmin multifunction displays via the NMEA 2000 network.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – September 04, 2026 -- The Chicago Automobile Trade Association is relaunching its fall test drive event under a new name, Chicago Auto Show: Behind the Wheel, running Oct. 1-4, 2026, at the ComEd Building in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

Previously called Chicago Drives Electric, the rebranded event now includes gas-powered, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles alongside EVs, letting shoppers compare powertrains side by side. Participating brands include BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, Toyota and VinFast, with a full vehicle list to be announced closer to the event.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 19, 2026 – Audi of America has launched a national campaign for the all-new 2026 Audi Q3, pairing Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman with Golden Globe nominee Chase Infiniti in a cinematic spot titled "A Life of Yes." The campaign, which debuted April 24 across television, digital, and social platforms, introduces the third generation of one of Audi's longest-running and best-selling models — a compact premium SUV that arrives with expanded standard equipment, a higher-output powertrain, and what Audi claims is best-in-class 0-60 acceleration against key segment rivals including the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Volvo XC40, Lexus UX, and Acura ADX. The Q3 is on sale now.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 19, 2026 – Kia America has announced that its fifth annual "Accelerate the Good" Dealer Match program raised more than $4.7 million for nonprofit organizations across the United States in 2025, with contributions coming from both the company and its network of nearly 800 retailers nationwide. The total includes donations of more than $1.5 million each to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and No Kid Hungry, with additional funds directed to organizations working in children's health, hunger relief, veterans' services, disaster response, and community well-being. The program has now completed five years of operation, steadily growing its reach and the number of causes it supports.